Organizations To Spend Big For Health Care Reform

Organizations To Spend Big For Health Care Reform in Politics and Legislation

When it comes to health care reform, there’s a lot at stake in this year’s presidential election.

Republican candidate and Arizona Senator, John McCain, believes the private market can make health insurance more affordable, and the government doesn’t need to step in.

In Senator McCain’s plan, he would provide citizens with a tax credit to help them purchase health coverage on their own.

Democratic candidate and Illinois Senator, Barack Obama, wants the government to play a role by mandating that all children have health insurance. Senator Obama also favors a system where employers pitch in more to pay for health care.

Advocacy groups, special interest groups, and health care organizations have their opinion, too.

A few of these groups are vocal supporters of universal health care, and are willing to put up big bucks to promote their cause.

According the Associated Press, groups advocating universal coverage are expected to spend $60 million in advertising campaigns.

“The whole goal [of the campaigns are] to create a mandate next year for the president and Congress to enact health care reform that meets our principles,“ said Richard Kirsch, the campaign manager of a coalition of groups supporting universal coverage.

The coalition consists of AARP, the Business Roundtable, the National Federation of Independent Business, and the Service Employees International Union.

Their principles include a full range of health insurance choices for Americans — choosing a new plan, a government-sponsored plan, or keeping their current coverage.

“We felt we needed more than policy ideas, but the political will to actually get something done,“ said Nancy LeaMond, vice president of AARP, who supports universal health care.

Much more to come…

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